A pangolin stretches his legs after being rescued from poachers. |
Laos Wildlife Rescue Center

As a result, more than a million pangolins have been killed off in the last decade alone, according to the IUCN, and a new pangolin is snatched from the wild every five minutes. Their numbers are being decimated. Of the four species living in Asia, two are endangered and two are critically endangered.

A baby pangolin clings to his mom as the two are returned to the forest after being rescued from poachers. |
Laos Wildlife Rescue Center

Unfortunately, help came too late for the thousands of animals who died for this shipment, but justice could still be served. Officials said they found a total of 201 bags of scales, with a value of around $9.8 million, and seized the shipment for further investigation.

A mother pangolin and her baby curl up after being rescued from poachers. |
GRI WILDLIFE VET PROGRAM/ANNEKIM

The smugglers could face a fine of $2 million and up to seven years in prison for smuggling, and a fine of up to $5 million and 2 years in prison for the unlicensed importation of an endangered species.

Of course, the sheer size of the bust - and the amount of animals who died to make it - is difficult to comprehend. But it's a good reminder of the plight of these secretive animals - and just how badly they need our help.